Let’s look at the Yellow River from the bridge! 4 popular sightseeing spots in Lanzhou, China

Are you familiar with Lanzhou, China? China is a country frequently visited by tourists. However, few people may have had the chance to tour Lanzhou itself. So, what does Lanzhou have to offer?

Lanzhou is a city through which the Yellow River flows from east to west. The Yellow River, as you may recall from history textbooks, is famous for nurturing the ancient Yellow River civilization. In Lanzhou, you can find the first bridge ever built across the Yellow River, food streets perfect for gourmets, and even a waterwheel-themed park—just to name a few attractions.

With a population of about 3 million, the city is home not only to the Han majority but also to many Muslim ethnic groups such as the Hui and Salar peoples, allowing visitors to enjoy a diverse range of cuisines. Here are four recommended sightseeing spots in Lanzhou.

1. Zhongshan Bridge

Zhongshan Bridge in Lanzhou is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It is said to be the first iron bridge ever constructed over the Yellow River—a site that even appears in history textbooks. The bridge was built by the Germans more than 100 years ago, measuring 233.33 meters long and 7.5 meters wide. All the steel plates and gravel used in its construction were imported materials. The bridge is open only to pedestrians, allowing you to take your time sightseeing. In addition, there are walkways along both sides of the riverbank, so you can enjoy unobstructed views of Zhongshan Bridge from every angle.

It’s one of the must-see spots for nearly every Lanzhou sightseeing tour, so it can get a bit crowded on weekends. Visiting early on a weekday is ideal if you want a quieter experience. On the other side of the bridge lies the entrance to Baitashan Park, making it a convenient next stop on your walk.

2. Taohai Snack Street

Taohai Snack Street is a popular food-hopping destination in Lanzhou. With many food stalls lined up, even tourists can easily enjoy a variety of Lanzhou local dishes. Because of its affordable prices and diverse food options, it’s not only popular with tourists but also frequented by local university students, making it a lively and youthful street.

In addition to Lanzhou cuisine, there are many international and halal restaurants—offering everything from Muslim to spicy Uyghur-style dishes—so you might have a hard time deciding what to eat first. Many of the eateries are in food stall format, so you can sample small portions of various dishes as you explore.

The bustling crowds give it a lively, distinctly Chinese atmosphere. The signature feature of the street is its blue arcade-style roof and simple setup of basic tables and chairs which adds to the fun and authenticity of the experience.

3. Lanzhou Catholic Church

Lanzhou Catholic Church is a Catholic place of worship located in the city. In Lanzhou, where the majority of residents follow Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, or Confucianism, a Catholic church is quite a rare sight.

The church building is relatively new and still gleaming. Its grand scale gives it an impressive and dignified presence. Despite being a Christian church, its architecture retains touches of Chinese aesthetics—something that makes it uniquely local.

Its warm red walls with bold blue accents make for a color combination that feels strikingly Chinese. The characters reading “天主堂” (Catholic Church) stand out prominently. The spacious interior adds to its charm. When visiting Lanzhou, experiencing this small piece of cultural diversity is well worth your time.

4. Waterwheel Expo Park

The Waterwheel Expo Park in Lanzhou is a theme park dedicated to the city’s long waterwheel tradition. As Lanzhou developed along the Yellow River, it’s no surprise that water use played a key role in its history. Here, you’ll find various wooden waterwheels of different sizes lined up along the riverbank. There are even tread-powered wheels that visitors can operate by foot—something that delights children. The park also features reconstructions of ancient tools like millstones powered by waterwheels, making it one of the world’s most comprehensive waterwheel-themed parks in both variety and number.

The rustic wooden wheels evoke a nostalgic charm, offering a glimpse into the lives of people from centuries past. Many visitors enjoy taking photos here. The park is beautifully maintained, making it a pleasant place for a stroll while learning about ancient technology. Conveniently located, it’s easy to drop by during your visit.

◎ Summary

How was that? We’ve introduced four recommended sightseeing spots in Lanzhou. Why not explore this vibrant city where the famous Yellow River—featured in history textbooks—flows through, and experience its many charms for yourself?

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Let’s look at the Yellow River from the bridge! 4 popular sightseeing spots in Lanzhou, China